Self-Drive Car Rental in Sri Lanka
Self-drive is the cheapest way to rent a car in Sri Lanka and the only way to stop where you feel like stopping. Every vehicle here is offered without a driver, listed by the person who owns it, and collected from them rather than from a rental counter at the end of a queue.
Because there is no fleet operator in the middle, the same car costs less than it would from a traditional rental company, and you are told exactly which car you are getting rather than a category.
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LKR 4,000.00/ daySuzuki Alto Maruti
Hakmana
With driver or self-drive 
LKR 4,600.00/ daySuzuki Alto
Kotugoda
Self-drive 
LKR 5,000.00/ dayNissan March
Piliyandala
LKR 5,200.00/ daySuzuki Alto
Ratnapura
LKR 5,500.00/ daySuzuki Alto
Kaluwanchikudi
LKR 5,750.00/ daySuzuki Alto
Panadura
LKR 6,300.00/ daySuzuki Alto
Negombo
LKR 6,300.00/ daySuzuki Alto L
Dehiwala
LKR 6,500.00/ dayNissan Dayz
Nugegoda
LKR 6,600.00/ daySuzuki Wagon-R Stingray
Negombo
LKR 6,900.00/ daySuzuki Wagon-R
Kaduwela
LKR 6,900.00/ daySuzuki Wagon-R
Kiribathgoda
What you need to drive here
A Sri Lankan licence is all a resident needs. Visitors driving on a foreign licence need a recognition permit from the Automobile Association of Ceylon, which ROFI can arrange online in one to two working days. Bring your own national licence or your international driving permit and we handle the rest.
Most owners ask for a refundable deposit, and insurance is included on vehicles that are not owner-insured. Both are shown on the vehicle page before you book.
Choosing the right car
A small hatchback is perfect for Colombo and the coast road, and cheap to run. For the hill country, something with a little more engine makes the climbs to Nuwara Eliya and Ella considerably more pleasant. If you are four adults with luggage, look at an SUV or a van rather than squeezing into a compact.
Automatic transmission is common on the platform, which is worth having in Colombo traffic even if you are happy with a manual at home.
Questions people ask
Can a tourist rent a self-drive car in Sri Lanka?
Yes, with a recognition permit issued against your foreign licence or international driving permit. ROFI arranges these online in one to two working days.
Is insurance included?
Vehicles that are not owner-insured carry insurance arranged through ROFI, and the premium is shown in the price breakdown before you pay.
Is there a security deposit?
Most owners ask for a refundable deposit. The amount is set by the owner and shown on the vehicle page.
How old do I have to be?
You need a licence held for at least a year. Individual owners may set their own age requirement on their listing.